Kenya, July 25 -- Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka, an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislator, has urged President William Ruto to select a Luhya running mate from three Western Kenya heavyweights, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, or National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, for the 2027 elections.
Speaking at a Khwisero development event, Aseka argued that dropping Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in favour of a Luhya leader is essential to secure Western Kenya's 2.2 million voters, warning that failure to do so could jeopardise Ruto's re-election.
The call intensifies Kenya's 2027 election dynamics amid shifting political alliances. Aseka's demand shows the Luhya community's pivotal role as Kenya's second-largest ethnic group, with Western Kenya delivering over 1.8 million votes in 2022.
"Ruto must pick a Luhya kingpin like Mudavadi, Oparanya, or Wetang'ula, or risk losing our support," Aseka declared, praising Ruto's Kenya Kwanza projects like Khwisero's electrification while criticising local leaders like Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa for stalled healthcare and ECDE initiatives.
The proposal follows the October 2024 impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, whose Mt. Kenya base is now fractured, pushing Ruto to court Western and Nyanza voters through ODM's coalition.
The ODM's integration into Ruto's government, with five leaders, including Oparanya, holding senior roles, complicates Aseka's push. Raila Odinga's March 2025 agreement with Ruto, reported by The Star, ensures ODM's support until 2027, but Raila plans to field a presidential candidate, potentially clashing with Aseka's strategy.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda's January 2025 hint that Ruto might choose an ODM running mate aligns with Aseka's call, yet ODM's Nairobi wing, led by George Aladwa, backs incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja, creating internal friction.
Voters speculate Aseka's move aims to "secure Western leverage," while others warn it could alienate Kindiki's Tharaka Nithi supporters.
Western Kenya's political clout is undeniable, with Mudavadi's ANC and Wetang'ula's Ford Kenya bolstering Ruto's 2022 win. Oparanya's governance record as Kakamega Governor (2013-2022) and his current role managing cooperatives make him a strong contender, though his 2022 gubernatorial loss to Barasa raises questions about his grassroots pull.
Wetang'ula's influence as Speaker and Mudavadi's diplomatic experience as Prime CS position them as viable options, yet Aseka's call faces resistance from Mt. Kenya leaders like Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, who defend Kindiki's loyalty.
A 2025 TIFA poll shows 58% of Western voters prioritise regional representation, amplifying Aseka's argument. Ruto's coalition strategy, balancing ODM's 5 million votes across Western, Nyanza, and Coast against Mt. Kenya's unrest, is critical. Gachagua's ongoing rallies, accusing Ruto of betrayal, threaten to erode his 3 million-vote base.
Aseka's push aligns with Kenya's tribal voting patterns, with 60% of voters favouring regional candidates. However, Kindiki's development record, including the Nyota scheme, counters Aseka's narrative, with voters lnoting his "stabilising influence."
Trends show surging searches for "Luhya running mate Ruto 2027" and "Aseka Western Kenya politics," reflecting interest in Nairobi and the diaspora.
Amid Kenya's 7.5% GDP budget deficit and Gen Z protests, Aseka's call highlights economic and political discontent. Critics, including Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, argue it risks ODM unity, while supporters see it as a bold demand for equity.
The Luhya running mate debate shows Western Kenya's growing influence as Ruto navigates a crowded field, including potential ODM challengers like Joho and Owino.
Aseka's stance could reshape Kenya's 2027 election landscape, balancing regional aspirations against coalition loyalty in a nation hungry for inclusive leadership.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.